More daycare space needed on PEI.

“Their contribution is a cornerstone of PEI’s economic growth, because the availability of quality affordable childcare allows more people to find jobs. We often get calls from businesses that can’t expand or open for a longer season because their workers can’t find child care.”

ECDA manages the PEI Early Learning and Child Care Registry. “There are more than 260 infants on the waiting list for daycare,” says Sonya. “We often hear from parents who are not able to take a job because they can’t find a licensed daycare space.”

Where do they work?

Early Childhood Educators work in designated and non-designated early childhood centres, and in licensed centres in full-day or half-day programs, family resource centre programs, school-aged programs, and licensed family home care.

Jobs in Early Childhood Centres

Director or Supervisor

Early Childhood Educators

Substitute Caregivers

Special Needs Assistant/Inclusions Support Worker

Early Childhood Educator Assistants

Cook

Substitutes require

Substitute Early Childhood Educators require a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check, must be 18 years of age or older, and have emergency first aid certification. They do not require Early Childhood Care and Education training, although some experience working with children is beneficial.

Education options on PEI

Collège de l’Île:– Early Childhood Assistant: 1 year
– Early Childhood Educator: 2 years

UPEI 2 plus 2 program: Bachelor of Child and Family Studies

Starting a daycare business

“Starting a home daycare is a great option for stay-at-home mothers,” says Sonya. “However, there is a fair amount of homework to do upfront. Do your research and understand the needs in your community.

“PEI has invested in training to increase the level of knowledge and expertise among those working in the field.

As a result, there is an increase in the number of certified people working in the field, or perhaps interested in opening a family home centre.

“Although licensing your centre involves some paperwork, when a centre is licensed they can access childcare subsidies and other grants. As of January 2018, there are only two licensed home childcare centres on PEI.”

Upcoming Events

The Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is offering free tax preparation clinics where volunteers complete tax returns for eligible individuals. You may be eligible if you have a modest income and... [Read More...]

The Canada Revenue Agency’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is offering free tax preparation clinics where volunteers complete tax returns for eligible individuals. You may be eligible if you have a modest income and... [Read More...]

O’Leary Career Bridges is hosting an information session, for the upcoming spring program scheduled to begin on April 3rd, at the office on Tuesday, March 20th @ 10am. If you or someone you know would... [Read More...]

O’Leary Career Bridges is hosting an information session, for the upcoming spring program scheduled to begin on April 3rd, at the office on Tuesday, March 20th at 10 am. If you or someone you know... [Read More...]